Albany New Yorks’, Washington Park is an 84 acre wonderland that is listed under the United States Registry of Historic Places.  For over 300 years, this land has been used by locals for recreational and public purposes.  Before becoming a park, the land served serveral different functions.  In the early 1800’s, structures were built to store gunpowder, some of the land was used for cemetaries and other parts served as a public square.  Shortly after the Civil War the project for the park started to get underway.  Frederick Law Olmsted, the designer of Central Park in New York City, began to design plans for what is today Washington Park.  The gardens and lawns were landscaped in a traditional Victiorian design.

Washington Park is set-up in the shape of a square.  State Street is on the north end of the park.  Willett Street is located on the east side of the park.  Madison Street is on the south end and South Lake Avenue is located on the parks west side.   The houses that surround the borders of the park are architectural wonders that date back to the late 1800’s.  The neighborhoods reflect many different artchitectural styles that include:  Spanish Revival, Classical Revival, Georgian, Romanesque, Italianate and brownstone.  Due to the historical and architectural signifigance of the park and the surrounding houses, the neighborhood and park were both added in 1972 into the Washington Park Historic District.  It’s no surprise that in 1998 Washington Park was named as one of the top hundred most important architectural parks.

There are many famous sights to check out at Washington Park.  The park dispalys a number of monuments and memorials located throughout the vacinty.  In 1929, the Washington Park Lake House was built and is used today as a sight for plays and concerts.  If you enjoy biking there are many paths that can be utilized.  The park offers tennis, basketball and handball courts.  There is definitely an abundance of space throughout the park making it easy to find room for a friendly game of boccie ball or croquet.  Children love releasing their energy on the playground set-up on the park grounds.  In the summer the giant pond is well stocked for all of those who love the sport of fishing.  During the winter months the park is a great place for sledding or ice skating.  In addition to all these activties, the city has many annual gatherings that take place at the park as well.

In 1949, the first Albany Tulip Festival took place at Washington Park to pay tribute to Albany’s Dutch heritage.    The park displays over 200,000 tulips that people come all over the country to see.  Tulip festival offers a variety of attractions that include:  craft vendors, fine art shows, food vendors and also live entertainment.  Tulip Festival takes place annually every May.  In July and August each year the park offers free concerts and plays that are performed at the amphitheater located in the park.  Right after Thanksgiving each year, Washington Park hosts the Capital Holiday Lights.  The whole park is set-up with thousands of Christmas light displays that are fun for the whole family.  The Capital Holiday Lights are available for visiting from the end of November into the first couple weeks in Januray.

Address:  Madison and Willet Street
Phone:  518-434-2032
Website:  www.albany.com/HotSpot_washington-park.cfm